CCIS, History 101: Week #8

The Renaissance and Reformation era brought major changes beyond those in the intellectual and religious life of Western Civilization; overseas exploration and a new type of scientific activity based, not on pure logic, but on observation, shifted the paradigm of how western populations viewed the universe and their place in the world. This week we will explore how overseas expansion and experimental science changed the economic and psychological foundations of Western Civilization, leading the way into the modern era.

Readings:

Chapter #16 (457-488)

Chapter #17 (Parts of, 500-511)

Discussions:

Discussion #15: In what ways did the new science of Copernicus, Brahe, Kepler, and Galileo challenge not only the Aristotelian cosmos–foundation of all medieval science–but also the claims of the church?

Discussion #16: How did Versailles symbolize the authority of the French king and how did the Louis XIV use Versailles as a way to establish and maintain power?